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The sound of rolling dice catches their attention, though to be more apt it catches Cyno's attention first.
His words trail off as he turns away and scans the café. His gaze lands on a pair in the corner, a Matra and student, who are quietly dueling.
However even after pinpointing the noise, Cyno's attention remains on the pair.
Al-Haitham clears his throat to draw his attention, "Cyno?"
Cyno turns back to him, "Sorry, I was distracted."
"As I was saying, regarding the Corp of Thirty..."
The conversation continues, though Cyno's voice trails every time the dice are rolled.
"You seem very distracted today." Al-Haitham notes as he takes a sip of his coffee.
"I'm sorry." Cyno says sheepishly, "It's just that it's been a while since I've been able to play myself."
Al-Haitham nods, "Free time is a bit of a luxury for you, isn't it?"
"It is, but that's not the issue." Cyno clears his throat, "You see, Genius Invokation implements changes quite often. Since I haven't been keeping up with the news, I'm a bit concerned that my deck might already be out of date."
He pauses, smiling sheepishly, "Sorry, you probably don't care."
Al-Haitham shakes his head, "It's alright. Actually, since you seem so passionate about it, I've considered starting it myself."
Why did he say that? He had no interest in playing it, so he doesn't know why he said such a thing.
"Really?" Cyno looks at him, eyes hopeful. "You want to play?"
Kaveh has always talked about how animated Cyno got when playing Genius Invokation, but having seen how excited Cyno was at the mere mention of the game...
Suddenly Al-Haitham didn't want to disappoint him by telling him otherwise.
"I'd like to give it a try." Al-Haitham says carefully, "I can't guarantee I'll keep at it."
Cyno doesn't seem deterred by the words, merely nodding along. "I understand. The rules are quite simple, and there's not too much to keep track of. I'll write them down for you and you can study it before our match."
"A match?" Al-Haitham asks hesitantly, "Already?"
"The best way to get the hang of it is through a match." Cyno replies confidently. "I've got various decks already built so I can show you the strategies people often use and- ah, we need to get you a deck." Cyno pauses to think.
"A Casket of Tomes? Kaveh has one." His roommate had left it by the bookshelf a month ago and it still hadn't moved. And Kaveh had the gall to call him forgetful.
Cyno nods, "He does. But I believe you can get one and a starter deck at Ankha's Treasure Trove." He shakes his head, reconsidering, "A starter deck is rather expensive. Since this is your first time playing, you shouldn't buy a deck. I have many spare cards and an extra set of dice you can use."
"I see, should I prepare anything then?" Al-Haitham taps his fingers along the table, "I heard you need three character cards to duel with."
"You do. I have most of the characters myself. They're always releasing new ones and the meta changes as a result." Cyno coughs, cutting off his own tangent.
"If you can, I would say it's best to go and take a look at the cards themselves and get a good idea of what your plan of attack is. Bring a notepad and write down the cards you think will be helpful to you. I'll provide any cards you write down."
"I don't have many copies of character cards though." Cyno muses before shaking his head. "I'll let you have first pick."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I switch decks fairly often, so I'm not too attached to any play style." Cyno smiles, "Besides, I want you to enjoy our game."
The sincere tone catches Al-Haitham off guard, and it takes him a moment to compose himself. "You just want someone to duel with you, don't you?"
"I always welcome a challenge, no matter who they may be." Cyno says with a confident smirk.
"I doubt I'll be much of a challenge."
"It's alright. Being able to play a round with you is enough."
He really couldn't get out of it could he?
Al-Haitham sighs, "Alright, you've convinced me. When should we duel then?"
"Tomorrow?" Cyno suggests, "Sometime in the evening if you're available."
That was...quite sudden.
"Alright." Then he had a little over a day to learn about the game. Hopefully enough time to not be a disappointing opponent.
What had he gotten himself into?
Cyno nods, a small smile forming on his lips when Al-Haitham agrees. "Good. I'll have that quick guide written for you before you leave."
They return to their meal, eating quickly before their return to work, both consumed with thoughts of their upcoming match.
Ankah's treasure trove is located near the end of Treasure Street, set up in a small store with a garland of colored flags above the door.
Out in front is a small chalk sign that declares that they've received the new Genius Invokation releases, as well as their operating hours. Someone, likely an employee, has drawn a cat holding TCG cards on the board as well.
Though he knows he must have passed the store many times, he's never paid it any mind.
Today that would change.
He walks in, the bell beside the door jingling and alerting to his arrival. He nods to the cashier and makes his way to the back, where Genius Invokation banners are prominently displayed.
There are many boxes with strange words on them, names for each TCG series he can only assume. He wasn't aware there were so many available. Were they all popular?
They aren't Genius Invokation cards however, so he decides to continue searching.
Along the nearby wall, various cards are displayed with the signs underneath depicting their prices.
He's not certain which one of them are Genius Invokation cards, and it doesn't seem like there is any additional information that can be gleaned just from observation.
He sighs and makes his way to the cashier to inquire about them. Surely, they would have at least a vague idea.
"Hello sir, how can I help?" The young woman asks him.
"I'm interested Genius Invokation TCG cards, can you tell me about them?"
The woman's face lights up and she nods, turning around to fetch a binder under the counter as well as a book.
"We happen to have nearly every card produced, so if you're looking for something specific, I can help you find it." She pushes the book towards him, "We also sell basic strategy guides. This one is a very popular one for beginners, but each expansion is published with a guide as well."
She chatters excitedly about the cards, Al-Haitham tuning out most of her words as he flips idly through the book.
Most of the information is just a retread of what Cyno had written down for him. The mechanics are simple but written in an overly verbose manner. Made up terms dominating each description and further muddling the explanations.
He didn't really need a strategy guide when he wasn't even sure he would continue playing. Moreover, he'd prefer to construct his own strategies rather than following the lead of another.
"This binder contains pictures of the cards we have available, so feel free to look through it." She flips the binder open and fetches a scrap of paper and pen, placing it in front of him.
"If you would like to purchase one, please write down the number on the paper."
The bell rings and the cashier leaves to greet the group of customers that arrive.
Left to his own devices, he flips through the pages, noting down interesting characters and support cards.
Of course, he doesn't intend to buy all of it. While the prices listed are not entirely out of his budget, they are more than he was interested in paying. Especially considering he wasn't sure if he would continue playing after the match.
His eyes drift towards the counter, spotting several small paper wrapped packages with the tell-tale design of Genius Invokation. He picks one up and reads the words across the top, Genius Invokation TCG Booster Pack.
Cyno had briefly mentioned them while handing Al-Haitham his written note for the mechanics of the game.
He looks down at the prices, they were much better on the wallet, though in return he would not be able to choose the cards he received.
There was a pool of cards it could be, but would he be lucky enough to get the ones he wanted?
He considers picking up a few, after all limiting himself to using the cards he drew would make the game more challenging for himself.
He pulls three more from the display and sets them down on the counter, deciding to flip through the binder in search of character cards.
There's a wide variety of characters, with familiar faces mixed in. Monsters, such as various Fungi and slimes, even Fatui members are present.
He's not sure who decided upon these designs, and if the inspirations are aware their likeness has been used.
Probably not, given that someone like Paimon had a card, and she had not attempted to brag about it to him.
Still, her card does sound useful, might as well pick one or two to add to his deck. He writes down the number on his sheet and continues to flip through the pages.
The next page is filled with characters, and he takes his time reading through their abilities.
However, a very familiar looking headdress draws his eye, and sees a character that looks near identical to Cyno.
No, not nearly identical, it was clearly him.
Everything from his outfit to his face and weapon was copied perfectly. The name along the top of the card is the final confirmation, The General Mahamatra.
Cyno had his own card in Genius Invokation?
"Have you chosen your cards?" The cashier asks as she returns to him.
"Not yet, however I'd like to inquire about this card." He straightens up and points to the card in question.
Her face lights up and she claps her hands together. "Of course, this card is based on our very own General Mahamatra."
She clears her throat, launching into a detailed explanation.
"Apparently the author of the Genius Invokation novel, Mr. Fukumoto, came to Sumeru for inspiration. After hearing all the tales of General Mahamatra Cyno, he arranged to meet with him."
Al-Haitham nods, knowing Cyno the man would have jumped at the chance to meet the author of his favorite book.
"I heard that Mr. Fukumoto was so awed that he asked to use the General Mahamatra as a reference for one of the characters in the sequel!"
No doubt something that Cyno would be very happy to contribute to.
"The artist for the TCG contacted him later and asked for permission to include him as one of the cards. He agreed to it as long as the proceeds were donated to a charity of his choice."
"This card was released about a month ago. Many Matra came to purchase it, so it was quite difficult to keep it in stock."
She reaches under the counter and sets a sparkling copy of said card in front of him, protected with a sturdy layer of acrylic.
"This holographic version is particularly difficult to get, but as you can see the quality is impeccable." She shifts the card, showcasing the rainbow shimmer that appears as the light glides across it.
"May I ask if the General Mahamatra purchased one?" He interjects before she can continue.
She hums, "I'm not sure, I'm not always working the counter. But he has us set aside new releases for him to pick up later."
Considering Cyno had recommended this shop to him, it was not a surprise that this was where he usually purchased his cards.
Given the prices, and Cyno's own attitude towards the game, the man had likely already spent quite a bit on his hobby.
Though, he was sure that Cyno knew how to keep his finances in check, unlike a certain architect.
There was no way that Cyno wouldn't have a copy of the card, yet he hadn't heard any mention of it from Cyno.
Was he embarrassed about it? No, he couldn't imagine Cyno being embarrassed about being able to be part of the game he adored so much.
Then perhaps it was because Cyno thought Al-Haitham wouldn't be interested in hearing about it?
"Speaking of which, I heard there will be more character cards coming next month and-"
Al-Haitham nods along to her rambling, tuning her out to think.
Looking down at the card placed before him, he studies the text and decides that it wouldn't be a bad card to add to his deck.
If Cyno wanted to use the card himself, he wouldn't be forced to choose another card for Al-Haitham's benefit.
That said, he was going to purchase the normal version. It's not like it would function any differently just because of its shine.
Hm, what other cards should he choose?
He arrives a few minutes early, bearing a small gift for Cyno as a thank you for inviting him.
Despite Kaveh's constant complaints about his lack of manners, Al-Haitham was more than capable of being a good guest when he wants to be.
"You're early. Come in." Cyno says as he leaves the door open for him before disappearing somewhere down the hall.
Al-Haitham sets his gift on the nearby table, taking a moment to remove his shoes by the door. As Cyno has not returned by the time he's finished, he takes a seat on the couch nearby and studies everything in the room.
He's never seen Cyno's house before, though Cyno has already seen his numerous times.
If one were to ask him what he thought Cyno's home would have, he would only be half correct.
There are numerous books, each one placed with others of its kind in an easy-to-understand filing system.
Just with a cursory glance at their spines, he can see which shelves contain Spantamad texts as opposed to Vahumana or Kshahrewar teachings.
There are few gaps, but one can tell the difference between a book that has been taken versus an empty spot. He imagines there must be several Spantamad related texts that Cyno has moved somewhere else or lent away.
A desk and chair rest in the far the corner of the room, the folders and papers on it laying in a neat pile to the side. There are sealed boxes piled beside it, a vibrant cloth draped over them. It piques his curiosity, though he knows better than to touch it. He suspects they might be Matra related, but Cyno doesn't seem to be the type to have such a thing laying around.
Then again, he wouldn't be surprised if Cyno took his work home, and he doubts there are many foolish enough to attempt to break into Cyno's home.
There are two paintings on the walls, both carefully kept out of the sun's reach as to protect them.
One is of Sumeru City, the painted view past the city gates. The glimmering white and green hues make the city seem almost dreamlike, and the rising sun imparts a golden glow to it.
On the opposite wall lies a landscape painting of the Great Red Sands. He cannot pinpoint where the view is, certainly farther than Aaru Village, but the scenery is strangely familiar.
Rocky cliffs direct the viewer's gaze to what lies between them, the orange hued shifting sands of the desert. The sky is dark, dotted with white stars that do nothing to draw the eye away from the painting’s focus.
In the middle lies a great pyramid, the assumed resting place of King Deshret, with a pillar of light extending from its tip and piercing the heavens itself.
He imagines the sight is embedded in every Sumerian's memory, though likely no more. For unknown reasons that light had disappeared shortly before Lord Kusanali's return as their ruler.
"Do you find it interesting?" Cyno asks as he brings out a tray with a teapot and cups, as well as plates of small snacks.
"It's quite the comparison is all." Two paintings of the two sides of Sumeru, each placed on a separate wall and yet residing in the same room. He gestures between the paintings, "You have good taste."
Cyno nods and gestures to the hallway he had disappeared down prior. "The kitchen and bathroom are this way."
He points down the hallway behind Al-Haitham. "And my room and study are down there."
"One can only wonder what the study of the General Mahamatra holds." Case documents, confiscated items, perhaps even a few books of the forbidden for safe keeping.
"And you will continue to wonder, unless you'd like to be charged for trespassing." Despite the serious tone, Cyno's smile shows it is merely a jest.
"Have you prepared yourself for our battle?" Cyno asks as he pours them each a cup of tea.
"I believe so." He says as he takes out his deck box and places it on the table before him. "I've spent quite a bit of time considering my strategy, but without an opponent I can't say whether it will be effective or not."
"You didn't consider playing a match against someone else?"
"I had already promised my first match to you."
There is the briefest look of surprise on Cyno's face before its replaced with a small smile.
"That's true. Hang on, let me get the cards."
Cyno, in the effort to make their match as fair as possible, retreats to the kitchen while Al-Haitham chooses his cards from Cyno's collection.
While he shouldn't be surprised by the vast collection of cards, he nevertheless is.
Cyno has, as he had stated prior, every playable character card currently available. He wouldn't be surprised if Cyno had every card that had been printed since the game's release.
He even had different versions of certain cards, the normal version, a holographic version, and ones with different art.
While there was no practical difference to one over the other, he supposes the value is different for a collector.
There were a few empty slots, and he could only assume that the cards were already being used in one of Cyno's decks.
Of course, he had no intention of using this knowledge to gain the upper hand.
Choosing a deck of thirty cards is surprisingly difficult, even with his own supplemental cards. Though it has more to do with the fact that he considers taking his chosen characters' talent cards, which he hadn't bothered to familiarize himself with prior.
Once he finishes his selection he carefully places the cards back and sets up the mat and dice for their game, calling Cyno once he's finished.
"Are you ready?" Cyno asks as Al-Haitham looks over his deck once more.
"Yes, I believe this is a good choice." Al-Haitham places his deck on his side of the field, before turning to Cyno. "I don't want you to go easy on me."
"Are you sure? You're still a beginner."
"It's alright, I've read up on everything. Also, should I win, I don't want you to make the excuse you were playing with a handicap."
Cyno smirks, "Confident, aren't you? Alright then, I'll pick one of my stronger decks." Cyno turns and walks to his desk, pulling out his casket of tomes.
He returns quickly with a deck wrapped in a purple cloth, he unravels it and sets down the cards on his side of the mat.
While it was no longer the strongest deck he had, it had always been reliable.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Cyno says with a confident smile, "I have yet to be defeated with this one."
"I wouldn't accept anything less than your best."
Cyno sets out his character cards, briefly explaining their names and the reason he chose them.
"Diluc, Master of Dawn Winery." Cyno says as he places the card down.
"Despite the name, he's actually a rather powerful card." Cyno looks over at him and grins, "And I thought you'd appreciate being pit against a mere entrepreneur."
Al-Haitham's lips twitch into a smile, he did appreciate it.
"Second, I have the Calvary Captain of the Knights of Favonius. He has a simple play style, but he's a very reliable card."
Cyno sets down his final character, "My final character is the Qixing Secretary of Clouds. Her abilities are unconventional, but when used well she can be a force to be reckoned with."
One pyro and two cryo, a melt deck, Al-Haitham surmises. He could vaguely recall the cards and their abilities.
Diluc was a very powerful pyro character, however there were no particular tricks to using the card. A safe, yet boring choice that guaranteed good damage without much set up.
However, Cyno's Cavalry Captain could be a nuisance, especially when paired with certain cards. Still, it relied upon having the proper set up, and he did not know how Cyno planned to use him.
As for the Qixing Secretary, she had the ability to attack all of his cards, though it came at a high dice cost. Having both a skill to reduce damage as well as a burst that dealt damage to all the cards on his side of the field was also problematic.
If possible, he should take out the Secretary first.
He sets out his three character cards in succession as well, deciding to forgo the introductions since Cyno likely already knew the cards well. Instead, he decides to explain his reasons for choosing them.
"My first character is Astrologer of the Stars. I intend to use her skill and burst effectively to maximize the damage of her teammates."
"After that, I will be using Unlucky Adventurer, both his skill and burst seemed to be a good match with my Astrologer." He smirks, "Though he's been known to be unlucky, I believe he will assist me in defeating you."
Cyno holds back a laugh, "It's certainly possible."
"And my last card is," He places the card down, "The General Mahamatra."
Cyno freezes, eyes darting down to the card bearing his own likeness. "Me?"
"It bears a very unique play style." Al-Haitham explains, "And it seemed too good to pass up."
He taps his fingers against the mat and smirks, "Now then, shall we start?"
Cyno snaps back to attention, straightening up a fire lights in his eyes.
"It's time to duel!"
"I expend one pyro dice and deal 3 damage to your card." Cyno slides the dice to the side. "I end my round."
Al-Haitham flips his card over, "My Unlucky Adventurer may have perished, but you're in a rather precarious situation."
The remaining character on Cyno's side of the field, Diluc, sat at half health and was affected by pyro.
Al-Haitham had also been reduced to a single card. However, not only was his Astrologer at full health, she was also a hydro user. He also had the distinct advantage in starting the round.
They both draw their two cards and roll their dice.
Cyno scowls at his lot and opts to roll again, though he doesn't seem any more pleased with the end result.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have a move that can defeat Cyno this turn, but what was the difference between one attack and two?
Al-Haitham looks down at his character, sliding away three hydro dice to activate the card's skill.
"I use Mirror Reflection, creating a hydro token to reduce incoming damage by 1. The attack also does 4 damage to you, reducing your hp to 1."
Al-Haitham hides his smirk behind his cards. Taking the time to research thoroughly had been a good idea, it seemed like their first match would end in his victory.
"..." Cyno frowns, his eyebrows knitting in concentration as his eyes flicker between his held cards and his dice.
It must be a difficult choice. After all, Al-Haitham still had one character at full hp, while Cyno's character was now at 1.
Cyno's card was capable of its burst, but with the effect of his token, his Astrologer would only take 7 damage. Not to mention Cyno did not have enough Pyro dice to use the burst without discarding cards.
If Cyno failed to defeat him this turn, he would lose. It was quite the hurdle to overcome.
But it was commendable that Cyno was choosing to continue rather than conceding.
After a few more moments Cyno nods, pulling out a card from his hand and putting it in the discard pile.
"I discard Shattering Ice in order to turn one of my dice into a pyro dice." He flips a cryo dice, changing it to pyro.
Discarding a card that grants +2 damage?
What's his endgame?
Cyno slides two dice away and places his last card in the discard pile. "And then I play Adeptus Temptation on Diluc."
Ah.
Al-Haitham glances back at the board, calculating the damage of Diluc's burst.
8 damage, but with his Astrologer's token, he would take 7.
He would take 9 damage if Cyno had used Shattering Ice.
But with Adeptus Temptation, Cyno would deal 10 damage.
He had lost.
Cyno pushes all of his pyro dice to the side and gestures to Al-Haitham's card with a flourish.
"I activate Diluc's burst, dealing 10 damage to your Astrologer!" Cyno sits back, a small smile on his lips. "You lose."
"Well played." Al-Haitham says as he flips the card over to signify its defeat. "And here I thought I had won. I suppose I'm simply no match for a veteran like yourself."
Cyno laughs, shaking his head at the words. "You did well for your first time. If my luck was a bit worse, I'm certain I would have lost."
So, he says, but Al-Haitham was sure that luck had not been on Cyno's side for much of their match. Too many dice had been left over at the end of Cyno's turns and many cards were discarded to change them.
Even Cyno's come from behind victory had only come to pass because he had the cards to turn the game around.
If anything, perhaps beginner's luck was what allowed Al-Haitham to get so far to begin with.
Still, he was satisfied with the result. Not a win, but not a quick defeat either.
Cyno managing to turn a near loss into a victory was impressive.
"Do you want to discuss the match?" Cyno asks, picking up his discard pile. "I want to know what your thought process was."
"Of course." Al-Haitham says, as he picks up his discard pile and spreads it out in front of him.
He picks out his starting hand from it, "I believe I had a rather nice mix of equipment and support cards. Though I tried not to use too many support cards at once."
Cyno nods and spreads out the cards, "I believe my starting hand was quite decent, even if I had trouble using my cards effectively..."
"Having both Adeptus Temptation and Shattering Ice, I can't believe you had such trump cards up your sleeve." Al-Haitham hums, "Had you played them prior, I would've been more cautious."
"Actually, I've had both cards since the beginning."
"Oh?"
"I've been holding onto them looking for the best opportunity to use both." Cyno shakes his head, "But the dice weren't cooperating."
"It was quite the surprising victory." Al-Haitham comments, "If the others were here, I'm sure Kaveh would be shouting for joy."
Cyno presses a hand against his mouth, muffling his laughter. "Then isn't it good it's just us?"
Al-Haitham lifts his cup, hiding a smile behind it as he answers. "Yes, it is."
"So, do you like it?" Cyno asks once the cards and dice have been put away.
"I did." He takes a sip of his coffee, "The fact that the turn alternates after an action and that upon ending your round your opponent may continue, it's an interesting concept."
He had taken advantage of that fact. The one who ended their turn first would start the next round, but it also meant they could not retaliate to any moves for the remainder of the turn. Cyno had taken out two of his cards because he had ended some of his turns early, but conversely he had taken out two of Cyno's characters due to acting first.
There was also the element of luck, and one could only overturn luck if they had the cards to use.
Despite it being a rather short game round wise, it felt very fast paced due to the mechanics.
"It was a surprise at first, that's not how traditional games tend to be. But I find that it means you need to be more careful about your plays." Cyno rambles, "Keeping track of your opponent's abilities is difficult even knowing their dice rolls."
"Yes. The elemental reactions are an interesting mechanic as well." He had thought that with two cryo cards and a pyro that Cyno would be swapping characters more often to utilize melt. But, as it turned out he had mostly attacked straightforwardly, only utilizing reactions twice in their game.
Of course, that strategy may have occurred simply due to Cyno's poor luck, but he had won regardless. It made him wonder how differently the game might have gone if Cyno had been able to play as he initially intended.
The couch shifts as Cyno leans over with a gleam in his eyes, "You should try a Hyperbloom or Burgeon deck. It's always a surprise to your opponent when you do more damage than they expect because you have accumulated dendro cores."
Hm, a deck specializing in creating blooms...
"What deck does Kaveh play again?"
"He prefers a burn deck. He uses two dendro and one pyro." Cyno recalls easily, "If you play against him, you need to knock out his pyro as quickly as you can. Otherwise, you'll be stuck in a perpetual burn loop."
Cyno pauses, pulling away with a cough. "Sorry, I'm rambling, aren't I? You haven't decided if you want to keep playing so I shouldn't pressure you into it."
"Actually," Al-Haitham looks over at the gilded box, "I think I might pick it up as a casual hobby."
"Really?" Cyno turns to him with a look of surprise, his voice betraying his excitement.
"Yes. You've sold me on it." Their match had been more exciting than he had thought.
He turns to Cyno with a smirk, "After all, I won't be satisfied if my first and only match is a loss against you."
There's a gleam in Cyno's eyes as he smiles at Al-Haitham's words. "Then I look forward to our rematch."
Cyno holds out his hand and Al-Haitham takes it in a firm handshake.
It seemed they now had another thing to bond over.